Psalm 99:1-4

1 The LORD rules the nations shake! He sits enthroned on the winged heavenly creatures the earth quakes!2 The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations.3 Let them thank your great and awesome name. He is holy!4 Strong king who loves justice, you are the one who established what is fair. You worked justice and righteousness in Jacob.

Earthquakes occur in the Holy Land. When the psalmist sings
“let the peoples tremble” and “the earth quake,” he is reflecting
on a familiar experience. He uses this image to underscore
a quality of the nature and power of God. To put it simply, God
shakes things up.

The trembling...

God of justice and righteousness, we long for peace and reconciliation. Shake our world with the power of your love and establish your beloved community of peace. Amen.

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In deep deference and careful obedience, Moses enters the zone of God’s glory, which certifies Moses’ authority. Psalm 99 praises the kingship of Yahweh, while bringing to mind the human agents of God’s rule who facilitate Yahweh’s conversation with the people. The Gospel lesson, like Exodus 24, characterizes what is not fully seen or clearly heard. Jesus is taken up into the zone of God’s glory and so is filled with transcendent authority. Speech about glory points to the assignment of new authority. The epistle reading asserts the authority of the true teachers of the church who rightly present and interpret the scriptural tradition.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Exodus 24:12-18. When did you last experience a life-altering encounter with God?
• Read Psalm 99. Have you ever felt that if God really knew you, you would be hopeless? What changed your mind?
• Read 2 Peter 1:16-21. For the epistle writer, the Transfiguration event focuses more on hearing than on seeing. How do you listen for God’s words?
• Read Matthew 17:1-9. What dark places have you seen brightened by Christ’s presence—through you or others?

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—Lauren Burdette

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